Page 18 of The Stranger

“Nothing?” They both speak at the same time, with matching looks of confusion.

“Nothing comes out of her mouth because she likes it full.” I chuckle at how baffled they are, thoroughly pleased they won’t understand this little inside joke between Maura and me. “And we talk about anything and everything, just not other people’s business because Maura has more important things on her mind than gossiping.”

I spot Maura leaving the bathroom, and her eyes find mine. She narrows her gaze at the girls, and I know we’ll talk about this later. Despite what I just said about Maura not gossiping, she actually does. With me. Because I’m the only one she’s comfortable enough with to be her normal self. Gossip included.

“And you’re right, when it’s just her and me, sometimes she says nothing. Because she’s busy moaning and screaming my name. She’s no Ice Queen. She just didn’t warm up to any of you.” I walk to Maura but stop to shoot them a look over my shoulder. “One more thing. I don’t tolerate anyone saying shit about Maura, especially if it comes from a place of jealousy.”

My face hurts from smiling so much when I reach Maura. She gives me a questioning look, but I don’t give her a chance to speak. Instead, I kiss her with the same passion and urgency I had the first time our lips touched.

“What was that about?” Maura asks when we break apart.

“They shared stories about you, calling you Ice Queen and shit.”

She rolls her eyes. “Of course, they did. What did you tell them?”

“What makes you think I said anything?”

“The smug look on your face.”

I bury my face in the crook of her neck, which is a damn hard thing to do, given how small she is. “I told them it’s not your fault they’re jealous of you.”

Maura’s mouth forms an ‘o’, her eyes bulging. “No way.”

“Not in those exact words, no. Same message, though.”

She laughs, and I draw her close by the waist. “God, I love you.”

I look deep into her eyes and see a reflection of my own feelings. “And I love you. Now, let’s go. I got an Ice Queen to melt.”

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

MAURA

If Tyler was protective as a boyfriend, nothing could beat him as a husband and father. From the moment he found out I was pregnant, he bought an SUV.

The man who hated cars because they felt claustrophobic bought an SUV that could fit twelve people. He had it customized so I could go in and out easily, especially as my belly grew. By the time I was two trimesters in, he had enrolled in a parenting class and prenatal yoga for couples.

We looked so awkward and hilarious together—me looking like I swallowed a watermelon and him being his usual giant self.

After giving birth to our daughter, Gigi, his protective streak only intensified tenfold. He even child-proofed his studio so Gigi could visit him anytime and play there. No more needles and tattoo guns within easy reach.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, Mau, why did you marry him? You lost a bet or something?” Erika asks, scooping peanut butter from the jar and pointing it at Tyler.

“Respectfully, Er, fuck off,” Tyler responds without taking his eyes off the rows upon rows of colorful nail polish bottles.

Erika laughs and elbows me on the side. “Bye, Mau. See you next weekend. Lanie’s so excited to babysit Gigi that she just bought a new duvet for her.”

“But you’ll call if anything happens, right?” Anxiety claws at me. It’s the first time Tyler and I are heading overseas for a two-week vacation, and part of me feels guilty for leaving Gigi. Though she’ll stay for the weekend at Erika and Lanie’s and the rest at my parents’ house. They, too, are excited to spoil their five-year-old granddaughter.

“Just enjoy your vacation, ‘kay? Let him fuck you into oblivion until you can walk no more.”

“Erika!” I hiss.

Erika smiles at me and waves before heading out. God, that woman has no filter, and I love her to bits.

When I get back to the living room, Gigi is painting Tyler’s nails with hot pink. She’s already done stamping a Powerpuff Girls temporary tattoo on his neck.

“Do you like it, Daddy?”

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